High BP in childhood persists till late

High blood pressure in childhood continues to bother in adulthood as well, indicating the need to counter the condition at its initial stage. In adults, high blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure of 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher when the heart beats (the systolic pressure), or a pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher between beats (the diastolic pressure). The two readings are expressed as 140 over 90, or 140/90. There are no such specific thresholds for children, however. Children's blood pressure naturally rises as they get older, and it varies according to their sex and height. So their blood pressure is compared with that of other children their age, sex and height, and reported as a percentile. To asses whether high BP tracks from childhood to adulthood, American researchers analysed 50 studies conducted on BP since the 1970s and found that childhood blood pressure tended to track into adulthood. Children, whose blood pressure was high for their age, sex and height, particularly in adolescence, were at greater risk of having elevated numbers as adults. The researchers emphasised on the need of early detection and intervention for overcoming high blood pressure. Further, lifestyle measures, like regular exercise and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, should be preferred over medication for controlling children's blood pressure.

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